Filters

ABSTRACT

Respiratory filters for engagement across orifices of body organs have interior central body members of open mesh, and have multiple overlying layers of fabric filter media. The peripheral edges of the media layers are affixed about corresponding edges of the central body member by a bonding strip. A nostril filter is provided in addition with a formed flexible outer sleeve to assist in positioning and retention in the nostril. The nostril filter similarly has layers of filter media material bonded to the flexible outer sleeve.

United States Patent [1 1 Langone FILTERS [76] Inventor: Michael J. Langone, 841

Bordentown Rd., Bordentown, NJ. 08505 [22] Filed: Aug. 27, 1971 [21] Appl. No.2 175,545

[52] US. Cl 128/140 N [51] Int. Cl A62b 23/06 [58] Field of Search 128/140 R, 140 N, 128/146.2, 142.6, 146.6, 139, 206

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,145,711 8/1964 Beber I 128/140N I 142,477 9/1873 James 128/140 N 2,672,138 3/1954 Carlock 128/140 N 893,213 7/1908 Whiteway 128/146 .2

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 17,468 1892 Great Britain 128/1462 I 7 i W 11 3,774,601 Nov. 27, 1973 3,257 1871 Great Britain 128/146.2

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant ExaminerG. F. Dunne Attorney-Robert G. McMorrow v [57] ABSTRACT Respiratory filters for engagement across orifices of body organs have interior central body members of 1 Claim, 8 Drawing Figures FILTERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to filter devices for positioning in the mouth and nose.

2. Statement of the Prior Art It has heretofore been proposed to position filters over the mouth and nose to remove contaminants from air entering the body through the orifices of these organs. Examples of previous devices in this area include those shown in the following US. Pat. No. 682,478 to Martin, Sept. 10, 1901 No. 715,052 to Goodwin, Dec. 2, 1902 No. 1,297,337, to Feltner, Mar. 18, 1919 No. 1,837,591, to Shindel, Dec. 22, 1931 No. 2,281,181, to Clarke, Apr. 28, 1942 No. 2,751,906, to Irvine,June 26, 1956.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a filter construction uniquely suited to disposition of effective filter means in body organ orifices, particularly in the mouth and nose. This construction relates basically in one form of the invention to a central body member of relatively open mesh form, shaped according to its intended location, and of semi-rigid material, such as aluminum screen or structural nylon screen. Over this central body member, on both sides, are affixed multiple layers of filter media such as closely woven nylon. The edges of the fabric and central body member are joined by an outer bonding strip.

The mouth filter is of a configuration such that users may shift it to a position between the upper tooth and gum area and the upper lip, in which position it is clear of the mouth opening to permit unhampered speaking, and wherein it may also be shifted to a second position across the mouth opening to perform its filter function during breathing.

The nose filter, in a preferred embodiment, includes an outer sleeve shaped for engagement in the nostril to which the layers of filter media are bonded. The sleeve has an upper opening and a lower opening to permit air passage through the filter media and into the body. The sleeve permits the filter to be inconspicuously located, and prevents inadvertent displacement.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following specification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the mouth and nose filters in place, the non-operating position of the mouth filter being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouth filter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged developed view of the mouth filter;

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged vertical sectional view, taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the nose filter;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the nose filter;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view, taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing in more detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 through 4, a mouth filter 10 according to this invention is therein disclosed. The filter 10, as shown in FIG. 3, is of the general outline form of human lips, and is supplied in various sizes consistent with the requirements of users to cover the mouth breathing area or orifice when in operating position. The outline of the filter includes a peripheral edge area comprised of pointed ends 12 and 14, an arcuate lower edge 16, and a top edge 18 having a central depression at 20 to accommodate the normal interior contours of the mouth area when in its non-operating or speaking position.

Structurally, the filter 10 includes as a main-component, a central body member 22 of open mesh form, comprising intersecting strands of woven longitudinal and vertical strand members. Typically, the central body member is formed from aluminum screen stock, or structural nylon screen material. The outer form of the central body member is substantially the same as that of the completed filter 10 as described above.

Affixed over both the forward and rear faces of the central body member, and coextensive in area therewith, are plural layers 24, 26 of filter material comprising, for example, closely woven nylon fabric. Such material permits passage of air therethrough for breathing purposes, but entraps or blocks contaminants, such as dust or other air borne particles.

Securing the layers 24, 26 in place over the central body member 22 is a peripheral bonding strip 28. The strip 28 is of rubber or some equivalent substance, usually applied in a plastic state and subsequently hardened by conventional procedures. In addition to its bonding function, the strip 28 provides a resilient peripheral edge to avoid possible harm to users of the device.

In FIG. 1, the filter is shown in place for use in breathing, in full lines, and in the position which permits speaking, in phantom lines. Alteration of position is accomplished by manipulation of the filter with the tongue. These items are extremely durable and are adapted for cleaning after use to an extent which impairs breathing, by fiushing with water or other cleaners, the duration of use of specific items being a function of the environment in which they are used.

In FIGS. 5 through 8, a nostril filter 30 generally similar to that described above but particularly adapted to its intended area of employment is shown. The filter 30 has, as its principal structural component, an outer sleeve 32 constructed of rubber or other material not likely to harm human body tissue such as nostril lining. The support 32 is of elongate, truncated form, having an open top edge 34 and an open bottom edge 36. A plurality of layers of filter media, including an inner layer 38, and an outer layer 40, and intermediate layers 42, are affixed to the outer sleeve, the layers of media including sections 44 spanning the open top 34.

The lower peripheral edges of the filter media layers are secured to the open bottom 36 of the support by a bonding strip 46 of rubber or like material.

As indicated hereinabove, the filter 30 is inserted into a nostril, with the top 34 disposed interiorly. Air

passage is then through the sections 44, resulting in filtration of air drawn into the body through the filter.

The outer filter layers, in either embodiment of the invention, may be sprayed with suitable medications to treat allergies or other ailments.

I claim:

l. A respiratory filter comprising:

a mouth filter having an outline form such that it spans the mouth opening when in operating position, the mouth filter having edges including an arcuate lower edge, pointed ends, and a top edge with a central depression therein, the top edge being of a general curvature of lesser degree than that of the top edge;

the mouth filter including a central body member formed of mesh material and having a series of intersecting strands of longitudinal and vertical strand members;

the central body member being rigid and retaining its the area therewith, said layers of fabric having peripheral edge portions corresponding in configuration and location to the outer edges of the central body member;

a bonding strip about said outer edge of the central body member and about said peripheral edge portions, the bonding strip being of a flexible material and enveloping the edge and edge portions of the central body member and the layers of fabric;

the mouth filter being retained in place by frictional contact of the bonding strip and the mouth area, and the mouth filter being adapted for manipulation by the user to an elevated position above the mouth for speaking 

1. A respiratory filter comprising: a mouth filter having an outline form such that it spans the mouth opening when in operating position, the mouth filter having edges including an arcuate lower edge, pointed endS, and a top edge with a central depression therein, the top edge being of a general curvature of lesser degree than that of the top edge; the mouth filter including a central body member formed of mesh material and having a series of intersecting strands of longitudinal and vertical strand members; the central body member being rigid and retaining its configuration and position in use; a plurality of inner and outer layers of nylon filter material comprising closely woven fabric disposed over said central body member and coextensive in the area therewith, said layers of fabric having peripheral edge portions corresponding in configuration and location to the outer edges of the central body member; a bonding strip about said outer edge of the central body member and about said peripheral edge portions, the bonding strip being of a flexible material and enveloping the edge and edge portions of the central body member and the layers of fabric; the mouth filter being retained in place by frictional contact of the bonding strip and the mouth area, and the mouth filter being adapted for manipulation by the user to an elevated position above the mouth for speaking. 